Apple warns Palm Pre users iTunes sync may break

A simple technical note from Apple on Tuesday warns that it can't guarantee third-party devices like the Palm Pre will work with iTunes and adds that future updates to the software may break media syncing with third-party devices.

The document stresses Apple's belief in the tight integration of its portable devices with iTunes and clearly, if indirectly, signals that Palm's iTunes sync feature has no guarantees at all from the iPod maker.

"Apple designs the hardware and software to provide seamless integration of the iPhone and iPod with iTunes, the iTunes Store, and tens of thousands of apps on the App Store," the company says. "Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players."

Although it takes care to avoid implying that it will deliberately head off Palm's efforts, Apple also mentions that, since software "changes over time," future updates to iTunes may prevent sync with third-party devices from working at all with the jukebox app.

Whether or not this is likely to happen with the Pre is difficult to tell. The feature works by identifying the smartphone in its hardware ID as an iPod and would require that Apple detect the difference between the Pre and a genuine iPod. Many of Palm's current engineers — as well as its new CEO Jon Rubinstein — are former Apple employees who have worked on the iPhone or iPod and are familiar with iTunes' current methods of recognizing plugged-in devices.

The notice fires another shot across the bow of Palm, which Apple increasingly sees as a concern. Outside of belittling the number of apps on Palm's software store, the iPhone designer has previously warned that it will pursue patent theft if it believes anyone has copied its techniques — although, again, Apple has made sure it doesn't directly accuse Palm of such an act.

A simple technical note from Apple on Tuesday warns that it can't guarantee third-party devices like the Palm Pre will work with iTunes and adds that future updates to the software may break media syncing with third-party devices...

Well, we knew it was coming...\
I have to say when it actually happens I will feel bad for the Pre owners who get caught up in it...

I mean what did we all expect...of course Apple is going to break it. They are the competition...I would break it too. Watch as all the whinny pre users come flooding forums complaining about Apple. Hey Palm why don't you just write your own device management app instead of mooching off of iTunes.

You know, I'd really like to see the Pre do well - but this nonsense of depending on another company to sync with your computer is really lame. They have to step up their game and deliver the full package - Phone & Software. Depending on another companies product to sync your device is not a smart move.

My opinion is that it's piss poor decision on Apple's part. iTunes is a central piece of OS X software and as such should not be locked to Apple's hardware alone. If Microsoft were to announce that Windows Media Player was only going to allow syncing with Zunes, people on here would be crying foul and screaming about MS's monopolistic policies. I have the same feeling about other pieces of Apple software like iMovie that provides encoding presets only for Apple products and YouTube. Apple's desire for complete control wears a bit thin at times.

Though, reading through the lines, its an excuse to kill external syncing with iTunes. If these devices just "happen" to stop working with iTunes, then its your fault. I suspect Apple would like their programmers to include code to keep these outside devices from syncing. Letting outside sources play is not their way.

My opinion is that it's piss poor decision on Apple's part. iTunes is a central piece of OS X software and as such should not be locked to Apple's hardware alone. If Microsoft were to announce that Windows Media Player was only going to allow syncing with Zunes, people on here would be crying foul and screaming about MS's monopolistic policies. I have the same feeling about other pieces of Apple software like iMovie that provides encoding presets only for Apple products and YouTube. Apple's desire for complete control wears a bit thin at times.

They don't say it's not gonna work - they say it might not work - to make sure everybody was warned. It might cause troubles in the future and Apple just wants to make sure people will not blame Apple if something will not work in the future. Microsoft warrants nothing as well - I think it's the same case.

My opinion is that it's piss poor decision on Apple's part. iTunes is a central piece of OS X software and as such should not be locked to Apple's hardware alone. If Microsoft were to announce that Windows Media Player was only going to allow syncing with Zunes, people on here would be crying foul and screaming about MS's monopolistic policies. I have the same feeling about other pieces of Apple software like iMovie that provides encoding presets only for Apple products and YouTube. Apple's desire for complete control wears a bit thin at times.

What a bunch of bull, does Microsoft allow the Zune software to sync with Palm Pre, why isn't there outrage over that, why isn't Palm making this a feature of their phone, they just want to hitch onto the biggest name in the industry.

My opinion is that it's piss poor decision on Apple's part. iTunes is a central piece of OS X software and as such should not be locked to Apple's hardware alone. If Microsoft were to announce that Windows Media Player was only going to allow syncing with Zunes, people on here would be crying foul and screaming about MS's monopolistic policies. I have the same feeling about other pieces of Apple software like iMovie that provides encoding presets only for Apple products and YouTube. Apple's desire for complete control wears a bit thin at times.

Well, Apple did all the hard work to made iTunes an effective yet easy-to-use software. It don't think it'll accept any other company making profit using their hard work (and not even paying for it). Plus, if Palm really wants to succeed, it should be fully equipped (the phone and the software). Using iTunes compatibility as a selling point is 'stealing' in my opinion.

But yes, I agree with you on the fact that Apple has some extra-tight controls. But then again, I am happy with what Apple offers. So, these tight controls do not interfere with my requirements. And that's all that is: Personal choices.